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High PSA, but MRI is negative. Biopsy or Not?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 7 hours ago | Replies (55)

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I'd think about getting a second opinion on the MRI that has already been done.

I couldn't find the reference just now, but when my urologist recommended an MRI, I asked that it be performed and read by the nearest NCI designated cancer center as opposed to his preferred community imaging center. I felt I would have more confidence in what the report said, if it was done by someone in a high volume center who does a lot more prostate MRIs than anyone in a community imaging center.

My urologist didn't appreciate my questioning the quality of his usual place, but he went along with it once I gave him several references to papers that found a wide variation even among the top flight cancer centers. One paper I remember found a wide variation in PiRads scores depending which MRI report person did the interpretation of the same images, at the same institution, i.e. Stanford. A national organization is or has just recently set up a plan to certify imaging centers as competent in reading prostate MRIs. Sorry I can't give exact references, no time at the moment.

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@climateguy
Now that is taking your medical care the way you should!

Sometimes even if uncomfortable discussion you must take an active role in your medical and mental health care.

Getting second opinion was something my Mayo PCP recommended even though my first diagnosis and treatment plan was at Mayo.